Television’s best jokes turn hierarchies upside-down. In some cases ghoulish beauty standards are treated as ordinary, like when Morticia Addams clips the heads off roses to display the thorny stems, or when comely Marilyn Munster feels like the outcast in a family of vampires and Frankensteins. In others an authority figure gets taken for a […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/08/25/an-ass-backward-sherlock-holmes-columbo/
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
Does anyone lose sleep when their stress levels are elevated? I get stressed about things I have zero control over and even as I am telling myself, not my monkeys, not my problem, I end up losing sleep, feeling anxious and suffering panic attacks. I threw myself into audiobooks, dealt with sick children and thought about writing reviews…lol Stay Caffeinated.
A special thanks to Penguin Audio
12th Annual Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon. November 21st to December 2nd, 2024. Sign up coming September 2nd. Challenge Hosts Needed. Please email me if you are interested in hosting one of the challenges.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/sunday-post-642-stress-is-thy-middle-name.html
The Meaning of Okay follows a woman healing from a sexual assault who meets a man that she connects with and wonders if she can heal enough to be open to a new relationship. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I read lots of romance novels, and it seemed like a certain situation was underrepresented. I’ve read novels where the focus is the assault, but I haven’t found many where the residual PTSD is the focus. I wanted to show that women still struggling, consciously or subconsciously, can still find their happy ending.
Kennedy and Rhys are both looking to start over and heal from their pasts. Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about Dillon – more than I’ve received about Rhys. Also, Rhys is the only character I’ve received negative feedback about. I thought I achieved everything I wanted with the characters, but apparently Rhys is not as developed as I aimed for.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Sexual assault and PTSD were the main themes, but I also wanted to touch on how people treat others with mental health issues, specifically how it can be hard to recognize and hard to understand if you’re unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m not working on a book-length piece at the moment. I’m finishing up a short story dealing with time and decision-making. I don’t have an anticipated release date yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Rhys Curran moved to Texas to refocus on his career and start a new life not soured by his past. Soon after he meets Kennedy, his open mind and big heart unravel her ability to distance herself. As their friendship evolves, Kennedy’s secrets begin to surface and she’s forced to face each one. Will she ever be able to overcome her past―and will Rhys stick around if he finds out the truth beyond her story?
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/25/residual-ptsd/
Pixie and the Elethunk follows a young girl who believes having an exotic animal as a pet would make her unique and special and the adventure she goes on to learn an important lesson. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I was quite small I begged my grandparents to get me a monkey. Believe it or not, they did. I was so excited, but the monkey for its part was not thrilled to meet me. It was very aggressive and I saw clearly that some animals weren’t capable of being gentle pets. I realized that the perfect pet would have to be as sweet as my two dogs were. They were black labs. To be honest, this is a lesson from my own childhood, a value that I seem to return to daily.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Gratitude is my favorite theme. I believe that if we live in gratitude we won’t want for much. There is an exercise that I love called, “Gimme five.” That means when you awaken, every morning think of five things that you are thankful for. The thing I love most about the exercise is that once it becomes daily, for the rest of the day you’ll have blessings popping into your head. It’s awe-inspiring!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite scene was, of course, the giraffe that’s stuck in the fireplace. I giggled the whole way through!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve just finished releasing a tween novel called, On The Wings Of Wishes It is by far my best writing. Pick it up on Amazon!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Award-wining artist, author, and poet, Angel Dunworth has penned a story with an interesting moral, that can soothe kids of all ages. The story, “Pixie and The Elethunk” asks kids to find the blessing that they already live in. Dunworth’s colorful, cut-paper illustrations bring this imaginary tale to life. Best of all, this lesson in gratitude is valuable every day of the year. “Pixie and The Elethunk”
is an amazing addition to any library.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/25/gratitude/
Eithanjewel follows a celestial being on a quest for self-discovery who, along with his soulmate, visits Earth to uncover the answers he is looking for. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was to create a self-help book that wouldn’t be an instruction manual with specific steps on how to live one’s life but rather show one how to identify one’s life lessons and appreciate the steps or missteps one has to make to learn them.
This book is a genre-crossing with elements of Fantasy, philosophy, and imaginative fiction as well. Did you start writing with this in mind, or did this happen organically as you were writing?
I did intend for the genre-bending nature of the book as I wanted to showcase the polarity of the incarnations and deal with multiple topics and themes.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The biggest theme that I wanted to explore in this work was acceptance. This was important to me because it is a necessary theme in everyone’s life. To accept yourself, the people around you, and your circumstances is the first step towards living your most fulfilled life. Acceptance does not mean that you cannot strive for more but it allows you to be content in the present moment.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I have not decided if I will write a sequel. However, a sequel has been requested by most of the beta readers. I am currently working on a YA series. The first book looks like it may be published towards the end of the year or beginning of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Eithanjewel is a celestial being who wakes up at the moment of creation. Unlike his siblings and soulmate, Eithanjewel cannot find contentment within his existence without fully understanding the meaning of his life and universe. He relentlessly follows around his creator nagging him with questions until God offers him an opportunity to go to Earth and search for his own answers.
Eithanjewel is a story of self-discovery, love, invention and magic. It is a collection of universal truths hidden within fiction. It is a great companion for those who seek out old magicks.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/25/content-in-the-present/
The Life of Lee Lye Hoe, by James A. Wolter, is a poignant and compelling fictional account that draws from real-life events, chronicling the life of Sister Amah, who is forced to leave her home in South Canton due to the ravages of war. The narrative follows her journey from being a small landowner of a prosperous farm to becoming a servant in a war-torn world. In this new, harsh environment, she discovers love and compassion through her bond with a small child, beginning a new chapter in her life. Lee Lye Hoe’s story is emblematic of the countless sisters and mothers who, fleeing from Japanese or English soldiers, sought refuge far from their homeland. Wolter skillfully presents her life story, from childhood to her transformation into a domestic helper, capturing the resilience and strength of women in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Wolter’s writing is both accessible and deeply engaging, making it difficult to put the book down once you begin. The narrative is driven by a strong, determined plot that captures the reader’s attention from the very start. The book opens with a heart-wrenching challenge faced by Lee Lye Hoe and her mother, immediately immersing the reader in their struggles. However, this is not just a tale of war and migration; it is the story of a woman’s resilience as she overcomes every obstacle life throws her way. Even when she had no obligation to do so, she devoted herself to helping others, showcasing the vast reservoir of compassion within her. This book captivated me entirely, holding me in its grip from beginning to end. It reminded me of Pachinko, a novel that similarly explores the plight of Korean-Japanese people during times of conflict. The Life of Lee Lye Hoe stands out as a powerful addition to the canon of literature that portrays the harrowing experiences of those displaced by war. Wolter’s portrayal of Cantonese society and the hardships endured by its people during these tumultuous times offers readers a vivid glimpse into a world upended by conflict.
I highly recommend The Life of Lee Lye Hoe to anyone interested in exploring the profound impact of war on individuals and societies. This book is not only a tribute to the resilience of women like Lee Lye Hoe but also a stark reminder that, in the end, it is always the common people who bear the brunt of war’s devastation.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0DDR3X4ZS
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/25/the-life-of-lee-lye-hoe-an-unsung-woman-hero/
Making Democracy Count is an intellectually stimulating exploration of how mathematics underpins the fabric of our democratic processes. Author Ismar Volić takes readers on a journey through the mathematical principles that govern voting, districting, and representation, revealing how these often-overlooked aspects are crucial to the fairness and functionality of democracy. From the nuances of voting methods to the complexities of gerrymandering, Volić unravels the intricacies with clarity and enthusiasm, making a strong case for the importance of mathematical literacy in civic life.
What struck me most about Volić’s writing is his ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible without sacrificing depth. The opening anecdote about a classroom movie vote is a perfect example of how he distills abstract ideas into relatable scenarios. The discussion about the flaws in plurality voting is both compelling and eye-opening. Volić’s knack for storytelling shines as he connects everyday experiences with broader, systemic issues, effectively engaging readers who might not typically be drawn to mathematical discourse.
While the book is enlightening, it can occasionally feel overwhelming in its detail. The chapters on different voting methods and their mathematical justifications are fascinating but may require multiple readings for those not well-versed in mathematics. The depth of analysis, particularly in chapters like “The Impossible Democracy,” where Volić delves into Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem, is impressive but can also be dense. This level of detail provides a thorough understanding for dedicated readers.
Volić’s examination of gerrymandering and districting is a section that really stood out to me. The author explains the mathematical tools used to detect and prevent gerrymandering, such as symmetry and compactness tests, in a particularly insightful way. His discussion of the impact of these mathematical strategies on political representation is both timely and crucial.
Making Democracy Count is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of mathematics and democracy. It’s particularly well-suited for readers with a background in mathematics or political science, as well as educators and policymakers who want to deepen their understanding of how to improve democratic processes. Volić succeeds in showing that mathematics is not just a tool for scientists but a powerful framework for creating a more just and equitable society.
Pages: 394 | ASIN : B0CKPHRLHD
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/25/making-democracy-count-how-mathematics-improves-voting-electoral-maps-and-representation/